The following study surveys students currently enrolled in advanced-level high
school science electives in an attempt to discover what motivates these students to take
such classes. Further, the study develops the argument that advanced-level science
classes are a risky choice for students compared to offerings from other departments and
makes an attempt to identify types of students who will be more likely to accept that risk.
Findings suggest that, among other factors, college credit offered for such classes attracts
students. Also, personality (as measured using the Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator) does
play a role in a student's willingness to take science electives.